A New Era for the Huskies
Allie Ziebell, a freshman forward who was already considered for a starting spot, is now the focal point of the University of Connecticut's women's basketball program as it prepares for the upcoming season. Her journey from a highly recruited prospect to a potential team leader has been marked by relentless offseason work.
Ranked as the nation's No. 7 recruit and a McDonald's All-American, Ziebell entered college with high expectations. In her freshman year she appeared in 33 games, averaging 2.8 points, but quickly proved her scoring ability, finishing fifth on the team with 7.2 points per game and tying the Huskies' record for most three‑pointers in a single game with ten made in fourteen attempts.
The departure of Azzi Fudd created a clear opening for a top scorer and leader, and Ziebell has embraced the challenge. She remained in Storrs throughout the summer, spending full days at the Werth Champions Center for skill workouts and strength training under the guidance of Andrea Hudy and Roger Cleaveland. The intense regimen has already yielded noticeable gains in stamina, strength and agility.
Training Through the Summer
Ziebell's dedication was evident in a six‑game stretch where she averaged 15.8 points while shooting an impressive 64.7 percent from the field. Her 34‑point performance against Xavier placed her in the same conversation as UConn legends such as Katie Lou Samuelson and Maya Moore, underscoring her rapid ascent.
Beyond individual statistics, Ziebell's leadership extends to the locker room, where she is already being counted on by Geno Auriemma and her teammates, including Kaleena Mosqueda‑Lewis, to guide the squad back to contention. The combination of her work ethic, proven scoring ability and the experience of veterans positions the Huskies for a strong season.